As a freelancer, you must have a solid system in place for communicating with clients. Without this, you’ll find it difficult to provide a high level of service. Fortunately, there is no shortage of options when it comes to client communication. As long as you keep an open mind, you’ll eventually settle on the strategy that best suits you and your clients. Here are four of the best ways for freelancers to communicate with clients, as well as some details pertaining to each one: 1. Email Every day, more than 200 billion emails are sent and received. While some of these are for personal reasons, many are associated with business. Although you have other options for communicating with clients, email will probably remain one of your favorite. It’s fast, efficient, and easy to use. Furthermore, it’s the communication method that many others prefer. 2. Text Message With each passing day, a growing number of people are using text message to communicate with clients. This may not be something you have done in the past, but it’s an idea to consider in the future. The only potential holdup is a client that doesn’t prefer this method of communication. 3. Instant Messenger There are many benefits of using an instant messenger, including the fact that you can have real time conversations with your clients. Additionally, the best IM applications have a variety of extra features that can make your life easier. For instance, video chat and group chat are popular features that can help take your communication to the next level. 4. Telephone Is there anything better than a old fashioned phone call? You may avoid this to a certain degree, especially if your clients prefer email or text message, but there are times when you have no choice but to get on the phone. Regardless of your industry or client list, you’re sure to come across others who prefer to communicate via telephone. This has been a primary mode of business communication for many years, and you should not expect this to change any time in the near future. 5. Face to Face It’s nice to know that there are many tools you can use to communicate without actually meeting your client in person. However, there are times when this is the best thing you can do. Face to face meetings have always been an effective way to communicate with clients. Not only does this give your conversation a personal touch, but it can go a long way in helping to strengthen your relationship. Conclusion Communication is a big part of your success as a freelancer. In addition to the way you communicate with clients, you’ll also find yourself networking with prospects. What steps will you take to put your best foot forward? Don’t tie yourself down to one form of communication. Instead, experiment with all of the ideas above. Better yet, be open to anything and everything your clients suggest. You never know when you’ll find something that improves the way you communicate, while also saving you time and money. What is your preferred method of client communication? Do you rely on something that we did not discuss above? Share your thoughts and advice in the comment section below.
